SS Mackey

Balance skill development and engagement with this lesson bundle for the Declaration of Independence. Empower students to understand the text for themselves with scaffolded questions and a detailed PowerPoint document review. Bring the conversations leading to the Declaration to life through 65 minutes of classroom relevant excerpts of the film 1776. Search no further! This comprehensive bundle includes everything needed to help students understand this pivotal moment in American history. Fi

Are you having trouble finding a lawmaking process diagram that is both thorough and concise? So did I, so I took things into my own hands and created a flow chart that accounts for a variety of scenarios in one resource. This is a great middle ground for secondary students, instead of using a resource that is too basic, or too complex. In addition to a student handout, and answer key, I also include a step by step presentation guide which contains additional commentary to help add context to

Help your students learn how to effectively write a persuasive paper on a topic of their choice (or yours) with this versatile packet. The guidance is specific enough to support success, and generic enough to be used with any topic to support engagement. The packet includes an assignment description, scoring rubric, research notes worksheet, outline worksheet, and revision checklist to help students avoid common mistakes. This assignment was born out of my experience as a teaching assistant f

This lesson is designed to introduce students to major ideas found in the Declaration of Independence. Students analyze the document using guiding questions, and work toward “translating” the main ideas. Students attempt to answer the questions independently, and then review answers in class using the detailed PowerPoint provided, which also shows students where in the text the answers can be found. Also available as a bundle with the 1776 Film Guide Check out these related lessons in my S

This bundle includes the lawmaking flow chart to help students understand how a bill becomes a law, and a three day simulation in which students engage in the process as members of Congress. Lessons included How a Bill becomes a Law Flow Chart Lawmaking Process Simulation Find more US government teaching resources in my SS Mackey store

Help students to create a student-friendly version of the Constitution while increasing their confidence in interpreting primary source documents. Engage students in exploring the Bill of Rights by using a concise version to address 13 scenarios. Detailed teacher-friendly keys are included. Like what you see? Find more US government lessons in my SS Mackey store Lessons included Abridged Articles of the Constitution Abridged Bill of Rights with 13 Scenarios Find more US government teachin

While there are many ways to teach the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and US Constitution, this resource presents a unique organization to highlight key comparisons and contrasts. As a preliminary activity, students are invited to design their own government to serve as a foundation for comparing those designed by our founders. Differentiated approaches are shared to make this resource relevant and engaging for secondary students at the beginner and novice levels. L

I use this lesson each Constitution Day as it ties well with the early settlement unit I teach at that time. Students analyze the text structure and ideas in the Mayflower Compact and US Constitution. It can be completed individually for students in higher grades, or with small groups for students who are less familiar with US history. Follow this link for more US government teaching resources

Still looking for a clear way to present checks and balances? Check this out! (I couldn't resist) Try this lesson which approaches the teaching of checks and balances power by power, instead of the usual branch by branch groupings. Empower students to avoid common mistakes when completing checks and balances assessment tasks. Walk students through their graphic organizers step by step with the accompanying PowerPoint presentation. Find more US government teaching resources in my SS Mackey stor

Use this student-friendly breakdown of the first ten Amendments to the Constitution to support students as they think critically through 13 scenarios to determine if actions are constitutional. A teacher-friendly detailed answer key anticipates common student questions and missteps, and how to address them. Related recommendation Abridged Articles of the Constitution Find more US government teaching resources in my SS Mackey store

Help students develop a deeper understanding of the work that went into creating the Declaration of Independence through excerpts from the film 1776. In addition to promoting knowledge of ideas contained within the Declaration of Independence, it also serves as a review of events along the road to revolution. These excerpts can also serve as a springboard to understanding parliamentary procedure. Bring history to life by bringing students to the sidelines of one of the most pivotal moments in

Use this chart to assess prior knowledge, as a study guide, or as a formative or summative assessment. Looking for lessons that help students acquire this knowledge? Check out a variety of US government teaching resources in my SS Mackey store including - Abridged Articles of the Constitution - Checks and Balances - How a Bill becomes a Law Flow Chart - In-depth Lawmaking Simulation - Abridged Bill of Rights with 13 Scenarios - Constitution Scavenger Hunt Feedback is appreciated! Go to y

Help students differentiate between three categories of facts to build literacy skills. This activity can be used with teacher selected articles on a single topic, or with student selected topics to enhance engagement. In addition to helping students distinguish between types of facts, students may also analyze quality of sources as they search for articles to use for this task. This activity can be used as a regular current events study, springboard to a class discussion, or as a warm up to

This product can be used to prepare students for, and guide students through, an in class seminar regarding campaign finance history, and current regulations. There are connections to the First Amendment and who, or what, is entitled to freedom of speech. By exploring these questions, students will be able to mold their own ideas about how political campaigns should be financed. Related lessons include: Immigration Seminar Discussion Questions Distinguishing Types of Facts Via Article Analys

Use this activity to support or assess students' Constitution literacy skills. This is designed for secondary students who have experience with the original text of the Constitution. Looking for activities to help them gain more experience before attempting this task? Check out more US government teaching resources such as Abridged Articles of the Constitution and Bill of Rights bundle in my SS Mackey store. Feedback is appreciated! Go to your "My Purchases" page. Next to each purchase, you